TIFF: Magnolia Takes 'Sunset Song' for North America

Terence Davies' sweeping epic is set in rural Scotland.

After bowing in Toronto, British filmmaker Terence Davies' latest feature, Sunset Song, has found itself a U.S. distributor.

Magnolia Pictures picked up North American rights to the period epic, which is set in rural Scotland and based on the 1932 novel by Lewis Grassic Gibbon, acquiring the title from Fortissimo Films.

Starring Agyness Deyn and Kevin Guthrie, the film tells the story of a community at the start of the 20th century dealing with a rapidly changing modern world and the effects of WWI. It is due to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival next month, with Metrodome releasing the film in the U.K. on Dec. 4.

The deal was negotiated by Fortissimo Films’ executive vp international sales Nicole Mackey and Magnolia’s vp acquisitions John Von Thaden.

“We’re thrilled to be in business with Terence Davies on Sunset Song, a film whose epic sweep and cinematic majesty is matched by the depth of its emotion," said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. "It’s a work for the ages and a beautiful pairing of an experienced master with a striking new talent in Agyness Deyn.”

The film is a U.K./Luxembourg co-production presented by the BFI Film Fund, Film Fund Luxembourg, Creative Scotland and BBC Scotland. It was produced by Hurricane Films’ Roy Boulter and Sol Papadopoulos and Iris Productions’ Nicolas Steil, and executive produced by SellOut Pictures' Bob Last.